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Top 50 local SA women’s footballers of 2024 ranked

Local SA footy’s country and suburban competitions are packed with top drawer women’s talent so we’ve ranked the state’s top 50 players of 2024. See who made the cut.

Zara Molloy, Sarah Campbell and Letisha Ackland rank among the top 50 local SA women's footballers of 2024.
Zara Molloy, Sarah Campbell and Letisha Ackland rank among the top 50 local SA women's footballers of 2024.

There has been no shortage of star talent across local SA women’s footy’s country and suburban competitions in 2024.

As the season draws to a close, we’ve drawn from the state’s local leagues to rank the top 50 players of the year.

Here is our list from 50 to 1.

50. ROXANNE DODD

(Mallee park)

The 2024 Port Lincoln FL best and fairest, Dodd has starred for Mallee Park.

A versatile player who can do damage in the contest or take over a game up front, Dodd has elite skills and impressive athleticism and can create for herself or others when in possession.

Has 31 goals and 11 best player nods in 12 games.

49. ZARA BOWLES

(Goodwood)

A tough player in the contest for Goodwood, Bowles has had a standout 2024 campaign.

A tireless worker around the ground who wins her own footy and distributes to teammates with ease while under pressure.

Has four best player performances through 13 games.

48. BREE CHAPMAN

(Port Noarlunga)

Bree Chapman (left) remains a star of the SFL. Picture: Port Noarlunga Football Club
Bree Chapman (left) remains a star of the SFL. Picture: Port Noarlunga Football Club

Port Noarlunga’s star captain, Chapman has been a major part of her side’s success so far this year.

An imposing presence around the ground, Chapman’s ability to win the ball, create space and find teammates is among the best in the SFL.

Has five best player nods and 10 goals in 13 games.

47. ELLA MICKAN

(Freeling)

Mickan remains a top talent in SA women’s footy.

A hardworking midfielder who can also play behind the ball off of halfback, Mickan covers ground as well as anyone while distributing to teammates at a high efficiency.

Has three best player performances and seven goals in 10 games.

46. CHLOE MEYERS

(Flagstaff Hill)

Chloe Meyers has been a standout for Flagstaff Hill. Picture: SANFL
Chloe Meyers has been a standout for Flagstaff Hill. Picture: SANFL

Also a Development League player with South Adelaide, Meyers has been a standout for Flagstaff Hill this year.

A reliable player on the ball who competes well in the air and at ground level and cuts opposition up with her distribution.

Has eight best player mentions in nine games for the Falcons.

45. TESSA KOHN

(Morphettville Park)

Also a consistent contributor for Glenelg’s SANFLW Development League side this year, Kohn has been dominant when available for the Roos.

A strong and skilled player around the ball who covers ground well, delivers to teammates efficiently and can also hit the scoreboard.

Has six goals and six best player nods in seven games.

44. TESS ANDREWS

(North Gambier)

Andrews has been a star for North Gambier in the Limestone Coast Women’s FL this year and was also one of the top performers at the Country Championships.

A dominant player in the middle who wins her own ball and creates space before delivering to teammates efficiently.

Has seven best player performances in seven games for the Tigers.

43. ALYSHA HEALY

(Tanunda)

Healy was best on ground in this year's grand final. Picture: Tanunda Football Club
Healy was best on ground in this year's grand final. Picture: Tanunda Football Club

Also a SANFLW League player for Sturt this year, Healy has been one of Tanunda’s best when available.

A versatile player who can do damage up front or in the contest with her clean skills and efficient distribution or goalkicking.

Has six best player mentions and 12 goals in seven games.

42. JAZMINE EGAN

(Hectorville)

Egan in action for Norwood. Picture: SANFL
Egan in action for Norwood. Picture: SANFL

A talented young gun who has also had a taste of SANFLW League footy for Norwood, Egan has produced another strong year in division two with the Hounds.

A strong player who is agile around the ball and can provide run and delivery to her forwards, Egan can also move up the ground to provide a reliable option up front with her consistent finishing ability.

The 18-year-old has six best player nods and seven goals in nine games.

41. SASHA BRANSON

(Freeling)

Sasha Branson (right) was one of the top performers at the Country Championships. Picture: Barossa Light and Gawler Football Association
Sasha Branson (right) was one of the top performers at the Country Championships. Picture: Barossa Light and Gawler Football Association

A standout in the ruck, Branson has put together a strong BLG season for Freeling.

Branson often gives her midfielders first use with brilliant tap work and can also impact the game around the ground with her marking presence and distribution.

Has three best player performances and nine goals in nine games for the Redlegs and was also a star of the Country Championships.

40. JAIMEE WITTERVAN

(Mitcham)

Wittervan represented Sturt’s SANFLW League and Development League teams this year while also dominating for Mitcham in division four.

An imposing player in the contest who finds plenty of the footy, sets up teammates with her disposal and also hits the scoreboard.

Has six best player mentions and 11 goals in 10 games.

39. ALICE WINTER

(Old Ignatians)

Alice Winter in action for Old Iggies. Picture: Ann Marie O'Connor
Alice Winter in action for Old Iggies. Picture: Ann Marie O'Connor

Old Ignatians’ best player this year, Winter has produced one of her best seasons for Old Iggies in division two.

A versatile midfielder who damages opposition with her speed and defensive pressure, Winter is one of the best users of the football in her division.

Has 11 best player nods and three goals in 12 games.

38. MARDI MASSON

(Marble Range)

A star halfback for Marble Range, Masson has been among SA country footy’s best again this year.

Masson is a reliable player across the backline who can cut off a number of attacks and provide valuable run and use along the flanks.

Was in the EP’s best in each Country Championships game and a consistent performer for Marble Range throughout the season with seven best player nods and four goals in 12 games.

37. RENAI RICHARDSON

(Nuriootpa)

Nuriootpa’s top player in 2024, Richardson remains among the top SA country women’s footballers.

Can impact the game on the ball or move up front to boot goals and often saves her best performances for the biggest games.

Has 17 goals and 11 best player nods in 11 games and also played SA Country Championships.

36. SOPHIE BEVIS

(Golden Grove)

A standout in Central District’s SANFLW Development League side, Bevis was also one of Golden Grove’s best players this year.

A hard running player who finds plenty of the footy and can distribute well by hand or foot, Bevis was among the best Kookaburras in the majority of her appearances.

Six best player nods and three goals in 10 games.

35. LILLIAN BORNHOLDT

(Willaston)

Bornholdt has been dominant for Willaston. Picture: Willaston Football Club
Bornholdt has been dominant for Willaston. Picture: Willaston Football Club

A dominant forward for Willaston and the leading goalkicker in the BLG.

Bornholdt can take over a game up front with her ability to create space and boot important goals and is also a reliable field kick.

Has 32 majors and six best player nods in 12 games.

34. MIA SMITH

(Henley)

A standout for Henley in division one this season.

Smith’s ability to impact the game in a number of roles is important for the Sharks and she often damages sides with her delivery top teammates.

The young gun teenager has three best player performances and three goals in 13 games.

33. ELSIE DAWES

(Mt Lofty)

One of the HFL’s top players this year, Dawes has had a standout 2024.

A versatile player who can play through the middle or up front, Dawes boasts clean skills and always makes the right decisions in possession, often cutting up opposition with her disposal.

Has five best player mentions and four goals in 11 games and was one of the best in the SA Country Championships.

32. LAYLA ROGERS

(McLaren)

Layla Rogers (left) has been a star for McLaren. Picture: Great Southern Football League
Layla Rogers (left) has been a star for McLaren. Picture: Great Southern Football League

Joint winner of last season’s Great Southern FL A Grade best and fairest, Rogers has put together another strong campaign for McLaren.

A tireless worker in the contest who wins plenty of the footy and either deals to teammates with accuracy or hits the scoreboard herself.

Has 10 best player mentions and seven goals in 13 games for the Eagles.

31. JESS MEACHIN

(Payneham Norwood Union)

The Falcons captain is an important leader for division one’s top side this yea and has been as reliable as ever behind the footy.

A smart player with consistent intercept ability and reliable distribution, Meachin remains one of PNU’s top players.

Has five best player nods in 11 games.

30. ABBY WOODWARD

(McLaren)

A star performer for the Eagles this season, South Adelaide player Woodward was a major part of her side’s GSFL premiership.

Joining the club from Willunga this year, Woodward’s tireless work around the ground and ability to set up teammates or boot goals proved important for her team.

Had five best player nods and 10 goals in 11 games and was one of the best on grand final day with three majors.

29. AMY JONES

(Broadview)

One of Broadview’s most reliable performers this season.

Jones reads the play well to win the footy in the air or at ground level and is consistently efficient with her disposal.

Has 10 best player nods through 15 games.

28. JESSIE SANDFORD

(Willaston)

Jessie Sandford ahead of SANFL’s 2022 Indigenous Round. Picture: Roy VanDerVegt
Jessie Sandford ahead of SANFL’s 2022 Indigenous Round. Picture: Roy VanDerVegt

One of Willaston’s top players this season, Woodville-West Torrens player Jessie Sandford has had a strong 2024.

A tough and versatile player who finds plenty of the footy and can create a number of opportunities for teammates with clever disposal.

Has six best player nods in 12 games and had a strong Country Championships.

27. ASTRID GOOLEY

(SMOSH West Lakes)

SMOSH West Lakes gun Astrid Gooley. Picture: Brayden Goldspink
SMOSH West Lakes gun Astrid Gooley. Picture: Brayden Goldspink

Best on ground for SMOSH West Lakes in the 2022 division one grand final, Gooley has been a standout in 2024 after returning to the club from Flinders Park.

An athletic and hard running player who can dominate as a ruck and move up front to hit the scoreboard, Gooley boasts elite skills by hand and foot.

Has six best player nods and six goals in eight games.

26. NICOLA BIAGI

(Tanunda)

Biagi during her time with Central District. Picture: Hannah Howard
Biagi during her time with Central District. Picture: Hannah Howard

A former Central District skipper and current West Adelaide player, Biagi had a strong 2024 as playing-coach of Tanunda to lead the Magpies to a BLG premiership.

Strong on the ball with great foot and hand skills, Biagi can influence a game with her ability to win the footy and deliver to teammates efficiently.

Has three best player nods and 11 goals in 14 games.

25. AKEIRA-JULIET WHICHELLO

(Willaston)

Runner-up in this year’s BLG medal, Whichello is an emerging young star in the Barossa, Light and Gawler FA.

Dominates in the contest with her strong attack on the footy and consistently hits the scoreboard.

Has 19 goals and nine best player appearances in 13 games and played SA Country Championships.

24. MEGAN HARPER

(Morphettville Park)

A dominant full back for Morphettville Park this season.

Also part of Norwood’s SANFLW Development League side, Harper competes relentlessly in the air and at ground level to stop her opponents, takes strong marks and delivers to teammates accurately.

Has eight best player mentions in eight games.

23. AAJIAH JERICHO

(Mt Lofty)

Runner-up in the Hills FL Mail Medal, Jericho has been at her best for the Devils in 2024.

Provides hard running through four quarters each week and does plenty of the dirty work for her side, winning the footy in the contest and finding teammates efficiently while also hitting the scoreboard.

Has 14 best player nods and 17 goals in 17 games.

22. BELLA RIGBY

(Willunga)

Bella Rigby in action for South Adelaide. Picture: Nick Hook
Bella Rigby in action for South Adelaide. Picture: Nick Hook

A superstar young gun for Willunga, Rigby has produced another impressive season in the GSFL.

Still an U17s player for the Demons, Rigby has been dominant for the A Grade side with her ability to rack up disposals and damage teams with run and carry while also hitting the scoreboard.

Has 1o best player nods and 16 goals in 14 games.

21. CHLOE SAMUEL

(Payneham Norwood Union)

A superstar leader at PNU, Samuel has had an exceptional year with the Falcons.

Samuel is a versatile player who can do damage on the ball and up front, winning important possessions for her side, kicking goals and setting up others.

Has nine best player nods and 13 goals in 12 games.

20. BONNIE DODDS

(Tanunda)

Also a SANFLW League representative with South Adelaide this season, Dodds has been a star for Tanunda in the BLG.

A hard worker around the ground for the Magpies who racks up high disposal counts every week and finds teammates with precision.

Has eight goals and seven best player nods in 13 games.

19. KAYLA MUDGE

(Barmera-Monash)

Kayla Mudge in action for Barmera Monash. Picture: Supplied
Kayla Mudge in action for Barmera Monash. Picture: Supplied

A tough and hardworking player in the contest and up front, Mudge has been a star for Barmera Monash this season.

Also listed with Gawler Central, Mudge is a reliable user of the footy and can also impact the game in the air with strong grabs and create for teammates with her disposal.

Has three best player performances and a goal in six games for her club and also dominated in the SA Country Championships.

18. AMALIE INNES

(Golden Grove)

Golden Grove star Amalie Innes (right). Picture: SANFL
Golden Grove star Amalie Innes (right). Picture: SANFL

A member of North Adelaide’s SANFLW League and Development League side, Innes has had a strong year with Golden Grove.

Covers ground well to win plenty of the footy and cut up opposition with her distribution by hand and foot.

Has seven best player nods and a goal in 11 games.

17. KALANI BATES

(Goolwa/Pt Elliot)

Kalani Bates in action during the SA Country Championships. Picture: Supplied
Kalani Bates in action during the SA Country Championships. Picture: Supplied

An athletic winger who can also play on the ball or across the backline, 19-year-old Bates has been a standout for the Magpies after time with North Adelaide’s SANFLW League team last year.

Bates is a hardworking player who provides great run and carry and a reliable boot and can often pick apart her opposition with her distribution.

Has 11 best player nods and seven goals in 13 games and was a standout in SA Country Championships.

16. ELLIE FIXTER

(Henley)

Henley star Ellie Fixter during her time with Adelaide Uni. Picture: Adelaide Uni Football Club
Henley star Ellie Fixter during her time with Adelaide Uni. Picture: Adelaide Uni Football Club

One of division one’s most skilled players, Fixter has had a big year for the Sharks.

A highly skilled player who finds plenty of the ball, makes great decisions and damages opposition with her kicking accuracy.

Has 10 best player nods and nine goals in 14 games.

15. LARA CHEHADE

(Henley)

A consistent star for Henley in division one this season, Chehade was a big reason behind the Sharks’ success in 2024.

A versatile player with the ability to win her own footy, provide run and carry and distribute as well as anyone in her side.

Chehade had three best player performances and two goals in 12 games this season and was one of the top vote-getters in the medal count.

14. BRIANNA BURT

(Mt Barker)

Brianna Burt has been a standout in 2024. Picture: Facebook
Brianna Burt has been a standout in 2024. Picture: Facebook

Burt has been a standout player in SA country women’s footy for a number of years and 2024 has been no different.

A star in the contest for Mt Barker who can slot into a number of other roles if needed, Burt boasts impressive athleticism and can impact the game in the air or at ground level.

Has seven best player nods and 16 goals in 10 games for the Roos and was a standout in the SA Country Championships.

13. OLIVIA MCEVOY

(Goodwood)

Olivia McEvoy has been a standout for Goodwood. Picture: Ann Marie O'Connor
Olivia McEvoy has been a standout for Goodwood. Picture: Ann Marie O'Connor

A top performer for Goodwood, McEvoy had a standout 2024 season in the AdFL.

McEvoy can impact the game in a number of ways with her ability to win the footy, find teammates while under pressure and also create chances for her team in front of goal.

Has 11 best player nods and five goals in 12 games.

12. ELLIE WARD

(Willaston)

BLG star Ellie Ward. Picture: Willaston Football Club
BLG star Ellie Ward. Picture: Willaston Football Club

Willaston’s top player this season, Ward has dominated for her club and in the SA Country Championships.

The BLG young gun is a standout on the ball with her ability to win the footy, deal to teammates with precision and also apply tackle pressure.

Has 10 best player nods in 12 games for her club.

11. JESS KIRK

(Willunga)

Willunga star Jess Kirk (right). Picture: Willunga Football Club
Willunga star Jess Kirk (right). Picture: Willunga Football Club

This season’s GSFL women’s medallist, Kirk has had a strong year with Willunga.

Also an important part of Southern’s SA Country Championships side, Kirk is a dominant forward who makes smart leads, takes strong marks, kicks goals and creates for teammates.

Has 11 best player nods and 28 goals in 11 games for the Demons.

10. HAYLEY HENKE

(Angaston)

Henke in action for Angaston. Picture: Barossa Light and Gawler Football Association
Henke in action for Angaston. Picture: Barossa Light and Gawler Football Association

This season’s BLG best and fairest, Henke has had a fantastic year with Angaston.

Henke is a skilled and athletic player who can perform in the contest and produce top drawer footy against some of the state’s best with her ability to win the ball and deal to teammates.

Has 13 best player mentions and six goals in 14 games for her club and played SA Country Championships.

9. HAYLEY TAHENY

(Hope Valley)

Hayley Taheny in action for the Demons. Picture: Ann Marie O'Connor
Hayley Taheny in action for the Demons. Picture: Ann Marie O'Connor

This season’s division two AdFL medallist, Taheny has been a standout for the Demons as a dominant forward.

Taheny is a strong player who makes smart leads, takes big marks and can boot goals from anywhere.

Has a huge 53 goals and 10 best player nods in 16 games.

8. ELLA METCALFE

(Broadview)

Broadview gun Ella Metcalfe. Picture: SANFL
Broadview gun Ella Metcalfe. Picture: SANFL

A star for North Adelaide’s SANFLW League team, Metcalfe has been dominant behind the ball when playing for Broadview.

Metcalfe reads the play as well as anyone in the div one AdFL competition, takes important grabs and distributes efficiently to her teammates.

Has five best player nods in nine games for the Tigers and was a standout in the grand final.

7. LETISHA ACKLAND

(Payneham Norwood Union)

PNU star Letisha Ackland. Picture: Ann Marie O'Connor
PNU star Letisha Ackland. Picture: Ann Marie O'Connor

Ackland has dominated in the Adelaide Footy League for a number of seasons and 2024 has been no exception.

An athletic and skilled forward who takes strong marks, kicks goals and sets her teammates up with crafty disposal.

Has seven best player nods and 23 goals in her 10 games.

6. ARABELLA PROWSE

(Onkaparinga Valley)

Onka Valley star Arabella Prowse. Picture: Onkaparinga Valley Football Club
Onka Valley star Arabella Prowse. Picture: Onkaparinga Valley Football Club

The winner of the Hills FL Mail Medal this season, Prowse had a standout year with Onkas.

A reliable ruck, Prowse is known for her tapping ability to set up her teammates, as well as her follow-up work, often acting as a fourth midfielder for the Bulldogs.

Has 10 best player mentions and 16 goals in 11 games.

5. PHILIPPA WORTHLEY

(Port Noarlunga)

Philippa Worthley during the Country Championships. Picture: West Adelaide Football Club
Philippa Worthley during the Country Championships. Picture: West Adelaide Football Club

A star on the flanks and through the middle, Worthley has dominated in the SFL and SA Country Championships.

Worthley finds plenty of the footy and damages sides with her run and carry while also creating goalkicking opportunities for herself or others.

Has 11 best player nods and 25 goals in 15 games for Port Noarlunga.

4. MADELYN GRIFFITHS

(Goodwood)

Griffiths with former Goodwood president Craig Scott. Picture: Emma Brasier
Griffiths with former Goodwood president Craig Scott. Picture: Emma Brasier

A tough player in the middle with great skills, Griffiths put together another strong season for the Saints.

Griffiths covers ground as well as anyone in division one, applies strong tackle pressure and always creates space in possession before delivering to teammates with accuracy.

Has eight best player mentions and six goals in 10 games and finished second in the div one medal.

3. ZARA MOLLOY

(Broadview)

North Adelaide and Broadview gun Zara Molloy. Picture: North Adelaide Football Club
North Adelaide and Broadview gun Zara Molloy. Picture: North Adelaide Football Club

Also a promising part of North Adelaide’s SANFLW League and Development League teams, Molloy dominated when available for Broadview this season.

Molloy’s ability to win the ball in the contest and find teammates with efficiency or hit the scoreboard makes her one of local SA women’s footy’s top players.

Has six best player appearances and six goals in nine games and led her side to the div one grand final.

2. SARAH CAMPBELL

(Blackwood)

Blackwood gun Sarah Campbell. Picture: West Adelaide Football Club Facebook
Blackwood gun Sarah Campbell. Picture: West Adelaide Football Club Facebook

Also a SANFLW League player for West Adelaide this year, Campbell has had a fantastic 2024 for Blackwood.

A dominant player around the ground who wins plenty of her own footy, makes good decisions in possession and damages opposition with her disposal.

Has six best player nods and four goals in 11 games, won the HFL premiership with Blackwood and was named as the best player in the SA Country Championships.

1. ABBY KLAEBE

(Payneham Norwood Union)

Abby Klaebe in action for the Falcons. Picture: Ann Marie O'Connor
Abby Klaebe in action for the Falcons. Picture: Ann Marie O'Connor

This season’s Dutschke Medallist and division one leading goalkicker, 18-year-old Klaebe has been a superstar for the Falcons.

A skilled onballer who has no trouble finding plenty of the footy and delivering to teammates efficiently, Klaebe can also have a major impact up front with her ability to boot majors or set up her teammates.

Has 12 best player nods and 25 goals in 14 games and was a key to PNU’s div one premiership success.

Original URL: https://www.adelaidenow.com.au/messenger/sport/top-50-local-sa-womens-footballers-of-2024-ranked/news-story/cebcaea5b1185499195c3771ee8f027e